Ravens dismiss Harbaugh after 18 seasons
The Baltimore Ravens announced Tuesday they're parting ways with head coach John Harbaugh, moving in a new direction after a disappointing 2025 season.
"Following a comprehensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I decided to make a change at head coach," team owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement.
"This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity."
Harbaugh posted an 8-9 record during the 2025 season, marking the Ravens' first playoff absence since 2021. Their postseason bid fell short in Week 18 when Tyler Loop's game-ending field-goal try against the Pittsburgh Steleers sailed wide right.
Baltimore failed to meet expectations after entering the campaign with Super Bowl aspirations and a talented roster led by two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. The club struggled during the early portion of the year when Jackson missed multiple games due to a hamstring injury.
Despite some prolific regular seasons, Baltimore has won only three playoff contests in eight seasons with Jackson on the roster.
Harbaugh, just the third head coach in Ravens history, was the second-longest-tenured coach in the league, behind Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today," Harbaugh said in a press release. "It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with gratitude and appreciation."
A key point of contention between the Ravens and their former coach was his refusal to discuss moving on from offensive coordinator Todd Monken, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
Harbaugh's presence with the franchise brought consistency to Baltimore after his 2008 hire. The Ravens reached the playoffs 12 times and made four AFC Championship Game appearances during his tenure.
The 63-year-old led Baltimore to a Super Bowl XLVII victory over his brother, Jim Harbaugh, and the San Francisco 49ers during the 2012 season. Harbaugh ranks 12th in NFL history in wins with 193, which includes 13 playoff victories.
Harbaugh's addition to the coaching carousel has already caused reverberations among many searches, and he's expected to emerge as a favorite for the New York Giants' head coaching role, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Furthermore, his agent received calls from seven NFL teams in the first 45 minutes following his firing, per Schefter. There are currently seven coaching vacancies, including Baltimore.